On December 3, 2022 Valery Ivanovich Shadrin has passed away – a man whose entire life's work demonstrated that, despite the difficulties presented by circumstance, it is possible to pursue with conviction and resolve a cause that one loves, that people need, and that matters deeply to the country's culture.
He had a profound love for theatre and for theatre people – a love he never openly proclaimed. And they returned it in full measure. Not only those from our own national theatre – which is entirely understandable – but also directors, designers, producers and actors from countries around the world, with whom Valery Ivanovich maintained long‑standing ties through his work as the founder of the International Chekhov Theatre Festival, President of the International Confederation of Theatre Unions, and author of the creative concept for the International Pacific Theatre Festival.
It was thanks to Valery Ivanovich that the international connections of the International Confederation of Theatre Unions – which, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, became the successor to the USSR Union of Theatre Workers – were preserved and strengthened. Shadrin held his partners in high esteem and knew how to build not only business relationships but also warm personal ties with them. That is why figures from the world of theatre readily responded to invitations to take part in the Festivals or in joint creative projects.
Since its inception, the Chekhov Festival has presented over 600 performances from 54 countries around the world – works by 437 directors, choreographers and music directors.
Messages of support and sympathy have been arriving from across the globe.